Rotary Drum Granulators Market
The market for Rotary Drum Granulators was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $2.1 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $3.4 billion by 2035.
Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents
Global Rotary Drum Granulators Market Outlook
Revenue, 2024
$1.2B
Forecast, 2034
$3.1B
CAGR, 2025 - 2034
9.8%
The Rotary Drum Granulators industry revenue is expected to be around $1.3 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 9.8% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. The significance of the thriving Rotary drum granulators industry is underscored by its robust market growth, driven by several crucial factors. Advancements in technology coupled with the escalating demand from key end-use industries like agriculture and pharmaceuticals have catalyzed the markets progression. Heavy investment in research & development and an ever-growing need for efficient fertilizer production also serve as key driving forces. This potent combination of factors ensures the continual relevance of Rotary drum granulators in the years to come.
Rotary drum granulators form a pivotal part of modern industrial machinery, with distinctive features such as high efficiency, durability, and versatile operations. These granulators are designed with precision to process a myriad of materials into granular and pellet forms, making them ideal for various applications including chemical, food processing, and waste treatment industries. The increased focus on eco-friendly solutions and recycling waste into usable forms propels the application of these granulators, underscoring recent trends pushing the boundaries of market demand.
Market Key Insights
The Rotary Drum Granulators market is projected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2024 to $3.1 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 9.8%, reflecting rising demand across Agriculture, Mining, and Chemical.
FEECO International Inc., Andritz AG, NOV Process & Flow Technologies UK Limited are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
U.S. and Germany are the top markets within the Rotary Drum Granulators market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 7.2% to 10.3% between 2024 and 2030.
Emerging markets including Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 9.4% to 12.3%.
Transition like Adoption of EnergyEfficient Models is expected to add $75 million to the Rotary Drum Granulators market growth by 2030.
The Rotary Drum Granulators market is set to add $1.9 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Mining & Chemical Application projected to gain a larger market share.
With
technological advancements in granulating process, and
Expansion of Pharmaceutical Industry, Rotary Drum Granulators market to expand 155% between 2024 and 2034.
Opportunities in the Rotary Drum Granulators
As businesses strive for process optimization and cost reduction, they are also increasingly inclining towards machines that promise superior productivity and efficiency. This shift of interest generates ample growth opportunities for rotary drum granulators, as they offer both high production speed and excellent granule quality.
Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific
The North American market exhibits robust growth potential for Rotary drum granulators, driven primarily by technological advancements and diverse industrial applications. The broad acceptance of rotary drum granulators in industries such as agriculture, chemicals, and mining underscores the regions favorable market trajectory. A thriving commercial sector and the increased environmental sustainability focus further underscore the demand surge. Nevertheless, steep competition also marks this region, with key players continually engaged in innovative strategies to secure their market position. The regions vigorous regulatory framework and consistent investment in R&D activities shape a conducive environment for advanced granulation equipment, offering significant growth faculties for rotary drum granulators.
The Asia-Pacific region offers lucrative opportunities for the rotary drum granulators market, fuelled by the growth in developing economies like China and India. Rapid urbanization and industrialization, coupled with governmental policies advocating for enhanced waste management and resource recovery, have amplified the need for rotary drum granulators. The regions flourish in the construction and agriculture sectors, potential drivers of rotary drum granulator demand, fortify its market stance. However, the intense market competition warrants precision and quality, with consumers discerningly favoring economically and operationally efficient rotary drum granulators. Consumption trends and forecasts are favorable, with driving factors such as escalating industrial activity and the subsequent demand for high-capacity granulation equipment expected to stimulate regional market growth.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain
01
Driver: Increasing demand for high-efficiency fertilizer production and sustainable agriculture practices
Growing global food demand and an intensified focus on sustainable agriculture are also major growth factors driving adoption of rotary drum granulators. Expanding populations require extensive fertilizer use to boost crop yields, and rotary drum granulators deliver high-capacity continuous production of NPK and compound fertilizers with uniform granule size and nutrient distribution. At the same time, sustainable practices emphasize slow release and balanced nutrient profiles, encouraging manufacturers to use advanced drum granulation to reduce runoff and environmental impact. Technological improvements in drum liner design, moisture control, and automated feed systems further enhance production efficiency. These developments enable granular fertilizers with improved field performance and reduced waste, aligning with regenerative farming trends. Together, rising fertilizer demand and sustainability pressures are also expanding market opportunities for large, industrial-scale rotary granulation systems.
Integration of automation, real-time sensors, and advanced control systems is also a key driver influencing rotary drum granulator deployment. Modern granulation lines incorporate programmable logic controllers, feed rate optimization, and moisture sensors that ensure consistent granule quality and reduce manual intervention. This trend is also particularly strong in mining and chemical processing where precision and operational reliability are also vital. Automated systems improve throughput, minimize downtime, and allow predictive maintenance, reducing cost per ton produced. As manufacturers prioritize Industry 4.0 capabilities, demand for intelligent rotary drum granulators with digital oversight continues to rise, supporting enhanced operational efficiency and product uniformity across sectors.
02
Restraint: High initial investment and raw material cost volatility hinder market expansion
One of the strongest restraints in the rotary drum granulator market is the high initial capital requirement for equipment procurement and installation. These granulators, especially large continuous models used in fertilizer and industrial chemical production, demand substantial upfront investment that many small and medium enterprises find difficult to justify, limiting adoption in cost-sensitive regions. Additionally, volatility in raw material costs such as nitrogen, phosphates, potash, and steel for manufacturing drums increases operational expenses and forces some producers to delay upgrades or reduce purchase volumes. For instance, fluctuating phosphate prices have led fertilizer producers to absorb costs or hold back on capital expenditure, directly impacting granulator sales and revenue streams. Volatile input costs also complicate pricing strategies and competitive positioning.
03
Opportunity: Expansion into Untapped Territories and Advancements in Granulation Technology
The robust growth of agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors in developing economies has led to an increasing need for granulation equipment, thus creating opportunities for rotary drum granulators. Companies aiming at capturing these untapped consumer bases can bank on strategic collaborations or partnerships to boost sales and revenue. High-population countries like China and India, with their large agricultural landscape and burgeoning pharmaceutical industry, hold significant growth potential for rotary drum granulators.
The development and implementation of advanced granulation technology open new vistas of opportunities for rotary drum granulators. The superior functionality and effectiveness offered by these innovative machines, particularly in fertilizer production and pharmaceutical industries, can make them an invaluable asset in these sectors. Emerging markets present a lucrative arena for expansion in the wake of growing industrialization and the escalating demand for high-quality granular products.
04
Challenge: Operational complexity and regulatory compliance challenges constrain broader adoption
Operational complexity and evolving regulatory requirements represent another key restraint for rotary drum granulators. These machines often require skilled technicians for process optimization, temperature control, and maintenance to ensure consistent granule quality, especially in chemical and fertilizer applications. Lack of trained personnel increases downtime and reduces production efficiency, which can deter investment in advanced systems. Meanwhile, strict environmental and safety regulations related to emissions, waste management, and energy consumption force manufacturers to invest in compliance technologies, raising total cost of ownership. For example, meeting regional emission standards may necessitate advanced filtration and monitoring systems, delaying project timelines and straining financial resources. These regulatory and operational challenges therefore slow market growth and limit equipment deployment in emerging and regulated markets.
Supply Chain Landscape
1
Raw Material Suppliers
ArcelorMittalPOSCO
2
Component Manufacturers
Andritz AGThyssenkrupp AG
3
Manufacturers
FEECO InternationalNPK Construction Equipment
4
End Users
AgriculturalChemicalMining
1
Raw Material Suppliers
ArcelorMittalPOSCO
2
Component Manufacturers
Andritz AGThyssenkrupp AG
3
Manufacturers
FEECO InternationalNPK Construction Equipment
4
End Users
AgriculturalChemicalMining
Use Cases of Rotary Drum Granulators in Agriculture & Chemical
Agriculture : In agriculture the rotary drum granulator is widely used for large-scale fertilizer production, especially for NPK compound and organic fertilizers. These granulators employ a rotating cylindrical drum where powdered raw materials and binders tumble to form uniform, high-density granules. The continuous wet granulation process enhances nutrient distribution and prevents caking, improving crop uptake and field performance. Manufacturers such as FEECO International and Yara International offer robust drum granulators with high throughput capacities that support intensive agricultural operations and sustainable soil management. Their machines are valued for durability, consistent granule quality, and ease of integration into automated fertilizer lines, enabling efficient, high-volume production with reduced downtime.
Mining : In mining applications rotary drum granulators are used to agglomerate fine mineral powders and ore concentrates into dense, free-flowing granules that improve material handling and process efficiency. By transforming dusty fines into larger pellets, these granulators reduce airborne particulates, lower transportation costs, and enhance downstream processes like smelting or pelletizing for metallurgical operations. Suppliers like Metso Outotec and Thyssenkrupp AG provide custom drum granulation systems capable of handling abrasive mineral feeds with specialized internals and wear-resistant liners. Their solutions help mining firms meet environmental standards while improving furnace performance and reducing dust-related operational issues.
Chemical : In the chemical industry rotary drum granulators support the continuous production of detergent compounds, catalyst carriers, and specialty chemicals by forming uniform granules from powdered intermediates. The tumbling and binder action within the drum facilitates controlled granule growth, improving dosage accuracy, handling safety, and product stability. Companies like ANDRITZ AG and GEA Group deliver integrated granulation solutions that include milling, granulating, and downstream drying or coating, tailored to chemical process requirements. These systems strengthen product consistency while minimizing dust and environmental exposure in bulk chemical manufacturing.
Recent Developments
Recent developments in rotary drum granulators highlight strong uptake of automation and digital process control, enabling improved granulation efficiency and consistent particle size distribution across agriculture, chemical, and mining sectors. A key market trend is the shift toward energy‑efficient drum designs and predictive maintenance sensors, which reduce downtime and operating costs. Manufacturers are also focusing on modular systems for easier integration with upstream and downstream equipment, strengthening competitive positioning and supporting scalable, compliant production lines.
December 2024 : The global manufacturer, Accord Heavy Industries, launched a new line of energy-efficient rotary drum granulators and announced significant investments in research and development for improved granulation technology
November 2024 : Premier Tech Chronos, a leading provider in the machinery industry, broadened their product portfolio with the introduction of their Advanced Granulation Series, featuring state-of-the-art rotary drum granulators
September 2024 : The multinational corporation, FEECO International, acquired a startup specializing in the development of AI-integrated systems for rotary drum granulators, asserting its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and output quality.
Impact of Industry Transitions on the Rotary Drum Granulators Market
As a core segment of the Production Tools & Equipment industry,
the Rotary Drum Granulators market develops in line with broader industry shifts.
Over recent years, transitions such as Adoption of EnergyEfficient Models and Incorporation of Automated Systems have redefined priorities
across the Production Tools & Equipment sector,
influencing how the Rotary Drum Granulators market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics.
These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01
Adoption of EnergyEfficient Models
The rotary drum granulator industry has witnessed a pivotal transition towards the adoption of energyefficient models. The increasing global focus on sustainability and costefficiency has driven this change. Energyefficient rotary drum granulators reduce the operational cost and carbon footprint, thereby attracting customers aiming for greener, more sustainable operations. This transition has a profound impact on industries such as fertilizer production and waste management, where rotary drum granulators are extensively used. The adoption of energyefficient models has led to increased productivity and profitability in these industries, while also contributing to global environmental goals.
02
Incorporation of Automated Systems
Incorporation of automated systems represents a major industry transition for rotary drum granulators, transforming traditional bulk granulation into a more precise and efficient process. Modern systems integrate sensors, programmable controllers, and real time monitoring to regulate feed rate, moisture levels, and drum rotation, ensuring consistent granule size and quality. In the chemical industry, automation has reduced batch variability and improved handling of reactive materials, directly enhancing safety and throughput. Pharmaceutical manufacturers benefit from tighter process control and improved compliance with validation and documentation requirements. In fertilizer production, automated granulators lower material waste and energy consumption while enabling continuous operation. This transition is reshaping purchasing priorities, with end users favoring intelligent rotary drum granulators that deliver reliability, traceability, and long term operational efficiency.